The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Communication and Orientation, Sunday Dare, has rejected claims of a “cabal” wielding power within the presidency, affirming that President Tinubu remains fully in charge of Nigeria’s governance.

In an appearance on the television program Politics on Sunday hosted by Femi Akande, Dare addressed the persistent rumors of a shadowy group controlling the administration, emphasizing that these claims are unfounded.

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He clarified that the individuals often labeled as part of a “cabal” are merely key advisors who regularly brief the president and provide him with crucial information necessary for informed decision-making.

“These are not shadowy figures; they are individuals who hold important roles and must provide the president with critical data,” Dare said.

“The term ‘cabal’ has been misapplied. These people simply have regular access to the president because of the key sectors they oversee. Access doesn’t equate to undue influence,” he explained.

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He pointed to the example of the Finance Minister, who meets with the president frequently to discuss economic trends and indicators.

“Proximity to the president doesn’t make one a member of a cabal. The Minister of Finance, for instance, briefs him regularly, but that’s simply part of their role,” Dare stated.

Dare further emphasized that President Tinubu has consistently demonstrated his authority since assuming office.

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He pointed to Tinubu’s decisive cancellation of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) cybersecurity tax as a clear indication that the president is fully in control of the decision-making process.

“The president is 100% in charge, and he’s shown it time and again, like when he scrapped the CBN’s cybersecurity tax after reviewing the facts,” Dare said.

On the issue of the tax reform bill currently before the National Assembly, Dare reiterated that President Tinubu is respecting the legislative process and remains actively engaged in the reforms.

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“As a chartered accountant, the president is deeply involved in these matters. He is constantly briefed, and the tax reform bill is a key component for Nigeria’s future economic growth,” he said.

Dare also explained that the bill is still in the early stages, allowing room for further debate and adjustments before it becomes law.

“The tax reform bills are still at the National Assembly stage. There’s still room for discussions and adjustments, and that’s exactly how the president wants it—through the proper channels,” he noted.

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In discussing the broader impact of the tax reforms, Dare emphasized that the aim is to secure long-term prosperity for the country, rather than imposing immediate burdens on citizens.

“The reforms are about building for the future. They target growth and sustainability, not just addressing immediate needs,” he explained.

He also highlighted the potential benefits of tax revenue decentralization, stating that it would give states greater control over their taxes while also ensuring accountability.

“The new revenue tax approach will allow states to keep 100% of their taxes, which brings both control and responsibility to the state level,” Dare said.

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Dare concluded by drawing comparisons to other nations that have successfully implemented similar tax reforms in the past.

He expressed confidence that Nigeria’s economy will benefit from these changes, asserting that the country is on the right path toward growth and transformation.

“We’re on the right track. If you look at countries that were once at Nigeria’s economic level, many have successfully gone through similar tax reforms. This is the direction Nigeria needs to take to secure a prosperous future,” he said.

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The political camps in Kano State is becoming increasingly divided as two members of the House of Representatives, elected under the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), publicly severed ties with the Kwankwasiyya Movement, an influential bloc led by former governor and NNPP national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Kwankwaso remains the dominant figure in both the party and state politics, with his influence bolstering the position of the current Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, who is also his son-in-law.

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The breakaway lawmakers—Hon. Aliyu Sani Madakin Gini, representing Kano Municipal, and Hon. Alhassan Rurum, representing the Rano/Kibiya/Bunkure federal constituency—announced their disassociation with Kwankwaso’s faction over the weekend.

Rurum, a former Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, made his announcement during a media interaction.

While he refrained from elaborating on the reasons behind his decision, political observers speculate that it may be tied to the recent dissolution of the state’s five emirate councils, which stripped him of his traditional title as the ‘Turaki’ of the defunct Rano Emirate.

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Rurum, however, affirmed his continued allegiance to the state’s governor and expressed dissatisfaction with the current trajectory of the NNPP.

“I am still in the NNPP under its founder, Dr. Boniface,” Rurum stated, denouncing Kwankwaso for allegedly taking control of the party for his personal interests.

He further criticized Kwankwaso for what he described as a betrayal of Dr. Boniface, the man who had once supported Kwankwaso and provided him with a political platform.

“Dr. Boniface supported Kwankwaso and gave him a platform; it will be wrong to hijack the party from him and treat him badly,” Rurum said.

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Hon. Aliyu Sani Madakin Gini, who serves as the Deputy Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, made a similar move by declaring his separation from the Kwankwasiyya Movement.

In a Sunday address to his constituents, he made it clear that he no longer associates with the influential group.

“From today, I, Aliyu Sani Madaki, no longer associate with the Kwankwasiyya Movement,” he announced.

Madakin Gini went on to criticize the Kwankwasiyya Movement for undermining loyal party members who, in his view, played an integral role in the NNPP’s success.

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“They have dismissed us, saying we lack support, but we are not afraid to stand alone,” he asserted.

He also declared his readiness to confront anyone within the movement, if necessary, adding that he had no fear of standing apart.

The lawmaker also took aim at the Red Cap, a trademark symbol of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, calling it a sign of subjugation.

“Anyone who considers me their leader in politics should remove the red cap. Women should remove the red veil. We are done!” he said, much to the applause of his supporters.

Madakin Gini also addressed Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, warning that forces within the NNPP were attempting to weaken him.

“They are trying to weaken him. I urge him to stand firm; otherwise, he may be blindsided by those around him. I have insights into plans against him,” he claimed.

His comments came amid growing speculation that a faction within the party is pushing the governor to break away from Kwankwaso’s control and assert his authority as the elected leader of Kano State.

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The National Working Committee (NWC) of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has condemned a Federal High Court ruling in Abia, which ordered Dr. Boniface Aniebonam to take over the leadership of the party.

The NNPP has labeled the judgment as “fraudulent” and declared it legally void.

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In a statement issued by the NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, the party argued that the court’s decision was made “per incuriam”—a legal term for a ruling that ignores relevant law, rendering it invalid.

Johnson clarified that the court’s judgment was based on an outdated version of the party’s constitution, which had been amended on April 6, 2024, and that Dr. Aniebonam, along with others claiming to be members of the Board of Trustees (BOT), had already been expelled from the party.

The expulsion was confirmed by a previous Federal High Court ruling in Abuja.

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The Abia court had instructed that the NNPP’s BOT be immediately handed over to Dr. Aniebonam’s faction.

However, Johnson refuted this decision, asserting that the Abia court lacked the jurisdiction to rule on the matter, as no official summons or legal documents were delivered to the party at its registered office.

“None of the authentic National Working Committee members, whose names and addresses are registered with INEC, received the legal processes leading to this judgment,” Johnson explained.

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He further emphasized that the NNPP’s registered office, as listed with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), is located at No. 11 Mahatma Gandhi Street, Area 11, Garki, Abuja, in compliance with the requirements of Section 222 of the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act of 2022.

Additionally, Johnson pointed out that a Federal High Court in Abuja had previously ruled that the individuals involved in the Abia case had been officially expelled from the party.

The Abuja court also clarified that the BOT has no executive powers and is simply an advisory body, which contradicts the Abia court’s ruling.

In closing, Johnson dismissed the Abia judgment as a “spurious” decision, obtained through questionable means.

“This judgment contradicts a standing Federal High Court ruling in Abuja, and as such, it holds no legal weight,” he stated firmly.

The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, explained yesterday that the 27 lawmakers petitioned the court to halt federal allocations to the state because Governor Siminalayi Fubara had continuously ignored the rule of law.

He accused the governor of showing disdain for due process and failing to abide by court rulings and constitutional provisions.

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Amaewhule also directed criticism at Fubara’s appointees and top civil servants, warning that they would face justice for assisting the governor in undermining the law.

In response, Governor Fubara fired back, accusing his detractors of attempting to sabotage the state’s progress and frustrate the implementation of critical projects.

The matter was discussed at the 65th sitting of the House of Assembly, held at the legislative quarters on Aba Road in Port Harcourt, where the Amaewhule-led Assembly resolved that such a breach of the law could not go unpunished.

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A statement from Martins Wachukwu, Amaewhule’s Special Assistant on Media, outlined that the lawmakers had reviewed the governor’s actions while deliberating on the recent judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division.

The court ruled in favor of the House, halting the governor’s withdrawal of funds from the state’s Consolidated Revenue Fund until the 2024 Appropriation Bill was passed by a properly constituted Assembly.

The lawmakers applauded Justice J.O. Abdulmalik’s ruling, which ordered the governor to cease withdrawals until the House of Assembly passed the appropriation law.

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This decision came after the House rejected the governor’s refusal to present the 2024 Appropriation Bill on July 15.

Following that rejection, the Assembly instructed the governor to halt expenditures in accordance with Section 122 of the 1999 Constitution.

In response, the lawmakers filed an action at the Federal High Court to determine whether the governor could lawfully access state funds without the required Appropriation Law.

The court ruled in favor of the Assembly, ordering that the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Accountant-General of the Federation, and other related financial institutions should withhold funds until the governor complied with the Constitution.

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Reflecting on the ruling, Amaewhule stated, “Since July 1, 2024, Governor Fubara has been spending state funds without the necessary approval, which is why we called for the shutdown of expenditure.” He accused the governor of consistently flouting court judgments, the Constitution, and other laws, with assistance from Permanent Secretaries and some commissioners.”

“They will certainly have their day in court,” he warned.

Amaewhule also expressed his appreciation to the lawmakers for their unwavering commitment to defending democracy, and he reaffirmed that those who violated the Constitution would be held accountable.

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He further criticized the governor and his appointees for illegally continuing to spend from the Consolidated Revenue Fund without a valid Appropriation Law. Amaewhule emphasized that this amounted to a subversion of the Constitution.

Meanwhile, Governor Fubara responded by assuring that, despite the ongoing challenges, his administration would remain focused on delivering key projects and services to the people of Rivers State.

He promised that the Bori and Omoku Zonal Hospitals would be completed by the end of the year, emphasizing his commitment to providing affordable healthcare, quality education, and developing the state’s infrastructure.

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Fubara made these remarks during an inspection of the Omoku Zonal Hospital project in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area.

“I want to assure the people of Rivers State that, despite the distractions, we remain focused on governance,” he said.

“Our eyes are on the ball, and we will ensure that this project, along with the Bori Zonal Hospital, is completed on time by the end of the year.”

He praised the contractor for adhering to the project specifications, noting that the hospital would feature essential facilities, including a mortuary, laundry, and accommodation for healthcare workers.

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“This is a world-class hospital, and we are working according to specifications to ensure the best healthcare service for our people,” Fubara stated.

The governor also visited the Ikiri section of the 33.5-kilometer Elele-Egbeda-Omoku dualized road, which connects three local government areas: Ikwerre, Emohua, and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni.

The road project, which includes a river-crossing bridge, was flagged off in May as part of the governor’s first-year anniversary.

Despite challenges posed by the rainy season and flooding, Fubara expressed confidence that the contractor was performing well and that the road would be completed as promised.

“We are facing challenges due to the rainy season and flooding, but the contractor is doing a good job. I believe this project will be delivered as planned,” Fubara said.

He further emphasized the significance of the road as part of his administration’s focus on infrastructure development to benefit the people of Rivers State.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has slammed the All Progressives Congress (APC), labeling it a group of power-seekers and manipulators focused solely on “grabbing and running.”

The PDP asserts that the ruling party is destined to lose the 2027 elections.

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In response to the APC’s comments regarding Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s claim that the next election will be a contest between Nigerians and the ruling party, the PDP condemned the ruling party’s remarks as reckless and arrogant.

Debo Ologunagba, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, stated that the attack on Governor Makinde reveals the APC’s anxiety about its dwindling popularity.

He argued that Nigerians have become aware of the APC’s falsehoods, failures and the party’s incompetence in governance.

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The PDP described Makinde as an effective leader who prioritizes the needs of Oyo State and collaborates with other PDP governors for democratic development and opposition to the APC’s alleged attempts to establish a one-party state.

The party expressed disbelief that the APC could continue to mislead citizens while failing on multiple fronts.

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It pointed to the country’s deteriorating economic conditions under the APC, citing a dramatic rise in the cost of living, including a significant drop in the value of the Naira and skyrocketing prices for essential goods.

The PDP lamented that while ordinary Nigerians struggle with extreme hardship, APC leaders are reportedly engaging in corrupt practices and misusing national resources for personal gain.

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As the 2027 elections approach, the PDP believes the APC is increasingly resorting to data manipulation and personal attacks against critics, as evidenced by its recent comments about Governor Makinde.

The party called on APC to recognize its failures and anticipates that it will face defeat in February 2027, when Nigerians will supposedly consign the party to political irrelevance.